ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

This article identifies all of the people whose proper H

names occur in the Bible, excluding the
deuterocanonical books.
Haahashtari ("the courier"), a son of Ashur listed in
The names are set out alphabetically as they are
the descendants of Judah (1 Chron. 4:6).
spelled in the King James Version, with variant spellings
Habaiah ("Jehovah is protection"), ancestor of a
enclosed in brackets [ ]. The meaning of the name is then
priestly family (Ezra 2:61; Neh. 7:63).
given in parentheses ( ). Under each entry, various
Habakkuk ("love's embrace"), a prophet during the
individuals bearing this name are differentiated by
reigns of Jehoiakim and Josiah (Hab. 1:1; 3:1).
boldface brackets, like this: [1]; [2]; and so on. Then
Habaziniah ("Jehovah's light"), the grandfather of
follows a description of the character, with several Bible
Jaazaniah, the founder of a Jewish sect (Jer. 35:3).
verses listed where the name occurs. (Not all verses
Hachaliah (" Jehovah is hidden "), the father of
could be given; so if the reader is considering a passage
Nehemiah the governor of Israel (Neh. 1: 1).
that is not cited in the section, he must choose the
Hachmoni ("the wise "), father of Jehiel, the royal
character that would most likely be identical with the
tutor (1 Chron. 27:32).
person in his passage.)
Hadad [Hadar; Hadad] ("the god"). [1] One of the
We have made no attempt to designate each person as
twelve sons of Ishmael and grandson of Abraham (1
a Palite, Harodite, Gileadite, and so on. Many of these
Chron. 1:30). He is called Hadar, due to a copyist's
designations refer to the ancestor of an individual; in
mistake or a dialectal variant in Genesis 25:15. [2] A
other cases, they refer to the person's city, district, or
king of Edom who fought Midian (Gen. 36:35-36; 1
distinctive clan. It is often a guess as to which meaning
Chron. 1:46). [3] The last of Edom's early kings (1
is intended.
Chron. 1:50-51). Due to a copyist's mistake or dialectal
The meanings of the names are not infallibly accurate;
variant he is called Hadar in Genesis 36:39. [4] A
they are simply interesting possibilities. These names are
member of the royal family of Edom who opposed
ancient and their history is obscure and uncertain.
Israel's rule of Edom (l Kings 11:14-22,25).
Many people in Scripture bear the same name. In
Hadadezer [Hadarezer] ("[the god] Hadad is my
dozens of cases, we cannot determine whether an
help"), the king of Zobah in Syria that warred against
individual in one book is identical with someone having
David and Joab (2 Sam. 8:312). His name is also written
the same name in another book. In the ancient world, a
Hadarezer; perhaps this is a dialectal variant (2 Sam.
person was often called by more than one name.
10:16; 1 Chron. 18:3-10).
In the transmission of Scripture, copyists occasionally
Hadar. See Hadad [1], [3].
made errors. Surely Reuel was not also called Deuel, nor
Hadarezer. See Hadadezer.
Jemuel called Nemuel, and so on. Yet which is original?
Hadassah ("myrtle"), the Hebrew name of Esther
Only in a few cases do we have any clues.
(q.v.).
We find variant forms and contractions of names
Hadlai ("resting"), the father of Amasa, a chief man of
through the Bible. They probably presented little
the tribe of Ephraim (2 Chron. 28: 12).
difficulty to an ancient reader. But this further
Hadoram ("Hadad is high"). [1] The son of Joktan, a
complicates the identification problem for us.
descendant of Noah (Gen. 10:27; 1 Chron. 1:21). [2] The
The Hebrew genealogies are abbreviated at many
son of the king of Hamath; he bore presents to David (1
points. At times it is difficult to distinguish a man from
Chron. 18:10). He is called Joram in 2 Samuel 8:9-10,
his ancestor. Consider also the problem of trying to
perhaps as a token to honor David's God (i.e., Joram
match an abbreviated list with a fuller list. Either the
means "Jehovah is high"). [3] The superintendent of
names in the abbreviated list are independent of the
forced labor under David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. He
longer list or they are already included in it. In other
is variously called Adoniram ("my lord is exalted"), and
words, we may find the same person included in two
Adoram, a contraction of the former (2 Sam. 20:24; 2
lists or two different people in two lists.
Chron. 10:18; 1 Kings 4:6; 12:18). See also Jehoram.
In a few cases, our English versions use the same word
Hagab ("locust"), an ancestor of captives returning
to transliterate several similar Hebrew names. In these
with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:46). See Hagaba.
instances, we have recorded a separate entry for each
Hagaba [Hagabah] ("locust"), an ancestor of some of
Hebrew name (e.g., Iddo).
the captives returning with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:45;
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
Neh. 7:48). See Hagab.
Hagabah. See Hagaba.
Hagar [Agar] ("wandering"), an Egyptian servant of
Sarah; she became the mother of Ishmael by Abraham
(Gen. 16:1-16;21:14-17).
Haggai ("festive"), the first of the prophets who
prophesied after the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 5:1;
Hag. 1:1,3, 12).
Haggeri ("wanderer"), the father of one of David's
mighty men (1 Chron. 11:38).
Haggi ("festive"), the second son of Gad (Gen. 46:16;
Num. 26:15).
Haggiah ("feast of Jehovah"), a descendant of Levi (1
Chron. 6:30).
Haggith ("festal"), the fifth wife of David and mother
of Adonijah (2 Sam. 3:4; 1 Kings 1:5, 11).
Hakkatan ("the little one"), the father of Johanan,
who returned with Ezra (Ezra 8: 12).
Hakkoz ("the nimble"), a priest and chief of the
seventh course of service in the sanctuary (1 Chron. 24:
10).
Hakupha ("incitement"), ancestor of a family
returning from captivity (Ezra 2:51; Neh. 7:53).
Hallohesh [Halohesh] ("the whisperer; the
slanderer"). [1] The father of one who repaired the wall
(Neh. 3: 12). [2] A man or family that sealed the new
covenant with God after the Exile (Neh. 10:24); some
identify him with [1].
Halohesh. See Hallohesh.
Ham, the youngest son of Noah. Because of his
wickedness, his son Canaan was cursed (Gen. 5:32;
9:22-27).
Haman ("celebrated Human [Humban]"), the prime
minister of Ahasuerus who plotted against the Jews
(Esther 3-9).
Hammedatha ("given by the moon"), the father of
Haman (Esther 3:1).
Hammelech. This is not a proper name. It is a general
title that means "the king" (Jer. 36:26; 38:6).
Hammoleketh ("the queen"), an ancestor of Gideon. It
may be a proper name or title (1 Chron. 7: 18).
Hamor [Emmor] ("ass"), the prince of Shechem
whose son Shechem brought destruction on himself and
his family (Gen. 33: 19; 34:2-26).
Hamran. See Hemdan.
Hamuel ("wrath of God"), a descendant of Simeon (1
Chron. 4:26).
Hamul ("pity"), the younger son of Pharez (Gen.
46:12; 1 Chron. 2:5).
Hamutal ("kinsman of the dew"), one of King Josiah's
wives (2 Kings 23:31; 24:18; Jer. 52:1).
Hanameel ("gift of grace of God"), a cousin of
Jeremiah's who sold him a field (Jer. 32: 6-9).
Hanan ("merciful"). [1] A descendant of Benjamin (l
Chron. 8:23). [2] A descendant of Benjamin through
Saul (l Chron. 8:38; 9:44). [3] One of David' s heroes (l
Chron. 11:43). [4] A returned captive (Ezra 2:46; Neh.
7:49). [5] A Levite who assisted Ezra when reading the
law (Neh. 8:7). [6] A Levite who sealed the covenant
with Nehemiah (Neh. 10:10; 13:13). Perhaps identical
with [5]. [7] A chief or family who sealed the covenant
with Nehemiah (Neh. 10:22). [8] A chief or family who
also sealed the covenant (Neh. 10:26). [9] A temple
officer whose sons had a chamber in the temple (Jer.
35:4). [Note: This name should not be confused with
Baal-hanan.]
Hananeel ("God is gracious"), the builder of the tower
near the Sheep Gate (Neh. 3:1; Jer. 31:38).
Hanani ("gracious"). [1] A musician and head of one
of the courses of the temple services (1 Chron. 25:4,25).
[2] A seer cast into prison by Asa (l Kings 16:1,7; 2
Chron. 19:2). [3] The father of the prophet Jehu (2 Kings
1:7; 2 Chron. 19:2; 20:34); possibly identical with [2].
[4] A priest who married a foreign wife (Ezra 10:20). [5]
A brother of Nehemiah and a governor of Jerusalem
under him (Neh. 1:2; 7:2). [6] A priest and musician who
helped to purify the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 12:36).
Hananiah ("Jehovah is gracious"). [1] A descendant
of Benjamin (1 Chron. 8:24). [2] An officer of Uzziah (2
Chron. 26: 11). [3] The father of a prince under
Jehoiakim (Jer. 36: 12). [4] The leader of the sixteenth
division of David's musicians (1 Chron. 25:4, 23). [5]
The grandfather of Irijah (Jer. 37: 13). [6] A false
prophet who opposed Jeremiah (Jer. 28). [7] One of
Daniel's friends at Babylon (Dan. 1:7, 11,19). See also
Shadrach. [8] A son of Zerubbabel (1 Chron. 3:19, 21).
[9] A Levite who married a foreign wife during the Exile
(Ezra 10:28). [10] A druggist and priest who helped to
rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:8). [11] One who
helped to rebuild the gate of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:30);
perhaps the same as [10]. [12] A faithful Israelite placed
in charge of Jerusalem (Neh. 7:2). [13] One who sealed
the new covenant with God after the Exile (Neh. 10:23).
[14] A priest present at the dedication of the walls of
Jerusalem (Neh. 12:12, 41).
Haniel [Hanniel] ("God is gracious"). [1] A prince of
the tribe of Manasseh (Num. 34:23). [2] A hero of Asher
(l Chron. 7:39).
Hannah ("grace"), a prophetess, the mother of Samuel
(l Sam. 1).
Hanniel. See Haniel.
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
Hanoch [Henoch] ("dedicated"). [1] A grandson of
Abraham (Gen. 25:4), called Henoch in 1 Chronicles
1:33. [2] The eldest son of Reuben, and founder of the
Hanochite clan (Gen. 46:9; 1 Chron. 5:3). [3] Enoch, the
son of Jared (l Chron. 1:3).
Hanun ("gracious"). [1] A king of Ammon who
involved the Amonites in a disastrous war with David (2
Sam. 10:1-6). [2] One who repaired the wall (Neh. 3:30).
[3] One who repaired the valley gate of Jerusalem (Neh.
3:13).
Haran ("strong; enlightened"). [1] A brother of
Abraham who died before his father (Gen. 11:26-31). [2]
A descendant of Levi (l Chron. 23:9). [3] A son of Caleb
(l Chron. 2:46).
Harbona [Harbonah] ("ass-driver"), a chamberlain
under Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10; 7:9).
Hareph ("early born"), a son of Caleb (l Chron. 2:51),
not to be confused with Hariph (q.v.).
Harhaiah ("Jehovah is protecting"), father of Uzziel, a
builder of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:8).
Harhas [Hasrah] ("glitter"), grandfather of Shallum,
the husband of the prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22: 14).
Another form of the name is Hasrah (2 Chron. 34:22).
Harhur ("nobility; distinction"), ancestor of returned
captives (Neh. 7:53; Ezra 2:51).
Harim ("snub-nosed"). [1] A priest in charge of the
third division of temple duties (l Chron. 24:8; Ezra 2:39;
10:21; Neh. 3: 11). [2] An ancestor of some returning
from captivity (Ezra 2:32; Neh. 7:35). [3] One whose
descendants took foreign wives during the Exile (Ezra
10:31). [4] One who sealed the new covenant with God
after the Exile (Neh. 10:5). [5] A family that sealed the
new covenant with God after the Exile (Neh. 10:27). [6]
An ancestor of a family, perhaps [4] (Neh. 12:15). [Note:
Many of those named Harim may be identical; there are
many uncertainties.]
Hariph [Jorah] ("early born"). [1] An ancestor of
returning captives (Neh. 7:24). [2] Head of a family who
sealed the new covenant with God after the Exile (Neh.
10:19). He is called Jorah ("harvest-born") in Ezra 2: 18.
Harnepher ("panting"), a descendant of Asher (1
Chron. 7:36).
Haroeh (''the seer''), a descendant of Judah (l Chron.
2:52); perhaps Reaiah (1 Chron. 4:2).
Harsha ("artificer"), an ancestor of returning captives
(Ezra 2:52; Neh. 7:54).
Harum ("elevated"), a descendant of Judah (1 Chron.
4:8).
Harumaph ("slit-nosed"), father of Jedaiah
the wall-builder (Neh. 3: 10).
Haruz ("industrious"), mother of King Amon (2 Kings
21:19).
Hasadiah ("Jehovah is kind"), a descendant of
Jehoiakim (1 Chron. 3:20).
Hasenuah ("the violated"), a descendant of Benjamin
(1 Chron. 9:7). The original name was probably Senuah,
to which the Hebrew definite article (Ha-) is prefixed.
See also Senuah.
Hashabiah ("Jehovah is associated"). [1] A
descendant of Levi (1 Chron. 6:45). [2] Another
descendant of Levi (1 Chron. 9: 14). [3] A son of
Jeduthun (1 Chron. 25:3). [4] A descendant of Kohath (1
Chron. 26:30). [5] A son of Kemuel who was a prince of
the Levites (1 Chron. 27: 17). [6] A chief of a Levite
clan (2 Chron. 35:9). [7] A Levite who returned with
Ezra from Babylon (Ezra 8: 19). [8] A chief of the
family of Kohath (Ezra 8:24). [9] One who repaired the
wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:17). [10] One who sealed the
covenant with Nehemiah (Neh. 10: 11). [11] A Levite in
charge of certain temple functions (Neh. 11:15). [12] An
attendant of the temple (Neh. 11:22). [13] A priest in the
days of Jeshua (Neh. 12:21). [14] A chief Levite (Neh.
12:24). [Note: It is quite possible that [10], [12], and
[14] refer to the same person.]
Hashabnah ("Jehovah is a friend"), one who sealed
the new covenant with God after the Exile (Neh. 10:25).
Hashabniah ("Jehovah is a friend"). [1] Father of
Hattush who helped to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem
(Neh. 3: 10). [2] A Levite who officiated at the fast
under Ezra and Nehemiah when the covenant was sealed
(Neh.9:5).
Hashbadana ("judge"), an assistant to Ezra at the
reading of the Law (Neh. 8:4).
Hashem ("shining"), father of several of David's
guards (1 Chron. 11:34).
Hashub [Hasshub] ("associate"). [1] A Levite chief(l
Chron. 9: 14). The KJV incorrectly spells his name
Hashub in Nehemiah 11:15. [2] A builder of the wall of
Jerusalem (Neh. 3: 11). [3] One of the signers of the new
covenant with God after the Exile (Neh. 10:23). [4] One
who repaired the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:23).
Hashubah ("association"), a descendant of Jehoiakim
(1 Chron. 3:20).
Hashum ("shining"). [1] One whose descendants
returned from the Babylonian Captivity (Ezra 2: 19;
10:33; Neh. 7:22). [2] A priest who assisted Ezra (Neh.
8:4). [3] Head of a family who sealed the new covenant
with God after the Exile (Neh. 10:18).
Hashupha [Hasupha] ("stripped"), an ancestor of
returning captives (Ezra 2:43; Neh. 7:46).
Hasrah. See Harhas.
Hassenaah ("the thorn hedge"), an ancestor of those
who rebuilt the Fish Gate at Jerusalem (Neh. 3:3). The
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
name is probably identical with the Senaah of Ezra 2:35
and Nehemiah 7:38, which most English translators have
understood to have the Hebrew definite article
(Ha-) prefixed.
Hasshub. See Hashub.
Hasupha. See Hashupha.
Hatach, a chamberlain of Ahasuerus (Esther 4:5-10).
Hathath ("terror"), son of Othniel (1 Chron. 4:13).
Hatipha ("taken; captive"), an ancestor of returning
captives (Ezra 2:54; Neh. 7:56).
Hatita ("exploration"), a temple gatekeeper or porter
whose descendants returned from the Babylonian
Captivity (Ezra 2:42; Neh.7:45).
Hattil ("decaying"), an ancestor of some who returned
from the Babylonian Captivity (Ezra 2:57; Neh. 7:59).
Hattush ("contender"). [1] Descendant of the kings of
Judah, perhaps of Shechaniah (1 Chron. 3:22). [2] A
descendant of David who returned from the Exile with
Ezra (Ezra 8:2; 10:4; Neh. 3: 10). [3] A priest who
returned from the Exile with Zerubbabel (Neh. 12:2). [4]
One who helped to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Neh.
3: 10); possibly the same as [3].
Havilah (the personification of an unknown desert
tribe). [1] Son of Cush (Gen. 10:7; 1 Chron. 1:9). [2] A
descendant of Shem in two genealogies (Gen. 10:29; 1
Chron. 1:23).
Hazael ("God sees"), the murderer of Ben-hadad II
who usurped the throne of Syria (1 Kings 19:15, 17; 2
Kings 8:8-29).
Hazaiah ("Jehovah is seeing"), a descendant of Judah
(Neh. 11:5).
Hazar-maveth ("court of death"), the third son of
Joktan (Gen. 10:26; 1 Chron. 1:20).
Hazelelponi ("protection of the face of"), a daughter
of Etam in the genealogy of Judah (1 Chron. 4:3).
Haziel ("God is seeing"), a descendant of Levi in the
time of David (1 Chron. 23:9).
Hazo ("vision; seer"), a son of Nahor and nephew of
Abraham (Gen. 22:22).
Heber ("shoot; production"). [1] Head of a family of
Gad (1 Chron. 5: 13). [2] A descendant of Benjamin (1
Chron. 8:22).
Heber ("companion"). [1] A descendant of Asher
(Gen. 46:17; 1 Chron. 7:31-32). [2] The husband of Jael,
who killed Sisera (Judg. 4: 11, 17, 21; 5:24). [3] Head of
a clan of Judah (1 Chron. 4: 18). [4] A descendant of
Benjamin (1 Chron. 8: 17). [5] Used in Luke 3:35 to
refer to Eber [1].
Hebron ("ford; company"). [1] A son of Kohath
(Exod. 6: 18; Num. 3: 19; 1Chron. 6:2, 18). [2] A
descendant of Caleb (1 Chron. 2:42-43).
Hegai [Hege], a chamberlain of Ahasuerus (Esther
2:3, 8, 15).
Helah ("tenderness"), a wife of Asher (1 Chron.
4:5,7).
Heldai [Helem] ("enduring"). [1] A captain of the
temple service (1 Chron. 27:15). [2] An Israelite who
returned from the Babylonian Captivity and was given
special honors (Zech. 6:10); he is called Helem in verse
14.
Heleb [Heled] ("fat"), one of David's mighty men (2
Sam. 23:29; 1 Chron. 11:30).
Heled. See Heleb.
Helek ("portion"), a descendant of Manasseh (Num.
26:30; Josh. 17:2).
Helem ("strength"). [1] A descendant of Asher (1
Chron. 7:35). [2] Another name for Heldai [2] (q.v.).
Helez ("vigor"). [1] One of David's mighty men (2
Sam. 23:26; 1 Chron. 11:27; 27:10). [2] A descendant of
Judah (1 Chron. 2:39).
Heli [Eli] ("climbing"), the father of Joseph in Luke's
genealogy (Luke 3:23). His Hebrew name is Eli.
Helkai ("Jehovah is my portion"), the head of a
priestly family (Neh. 12:15).
Helon ("valorous"), the father of Eliab, the prince of
Zebulun (Num. 1:9; 2:7; 7:24; 10:16).
Heman. See Homam.
Heman ("faithful"). [1] A musician and seer appointed
by David as a leader in the temple's vocal and
instrumental music (1 Chron. 6:33; 15:17; 2 Chron. 5:12;
35:15). [2] A wise man with whom Solomon was
compared (1 Kings 4:31; 1Chron. 2:6). He composed a
meditative Psalm (Psa. 88, title).
Hemath [Hamath] ("warmth"), father of the house of
Rechab (1 Chron. 2:55); also called Hamath (Amos 6:
14).
Hemdan ("pleasant"), a descendant of Seir (Gen.
36:26). The KJV wrongly rendered this name Amram as
Hamran in 1 Chronicles 1:41—the reading is either a
copyist's mistake or a form of the above.
Hen ("favor"), a son of Zephaniah (Zech. 6:14); he is
probably the same as Josiah in verse 10.
Henadad ("Hadad is gracious"), a head of a Levite
family that helped to rebuild the temple (Ezra 3:9; Neh.
3: 18, 24: 10:9).
Henoch. See Hanoch.
Hepher ("a digging; a well"). [1] The youngest son of
Gilead and founder of the Hepherites (Num. 26:32; Josh.
17:2). [2] A man of Judah (l Chron. 4:6). [3] One of
David's heroes (1 Chron. 11:36).
Hephzi-bah ("my delight is in her"), the mother of
King Manasseh (2 Kings 21: 1).
Heresh ("work; silence"), head of a Levite family (1
Chron. 9: 15).
Hermas ("Mercury; interpreter"), a Christian to whom
Paul sent greetings (Rom. 16:14).
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
Antonia Fortress (Model). Named for Mark Antony, this fortress was
built by Herod the Great at the northwest corner of his temple. The
structure is called "the castle" in Acts 21:34. It also served as a palace,
and many scholars believe it was the place where Christ was tried
before Pilate.
The Herods
The family of the Herods exerted Rome's control over
Palestine during the time of Christ and the founding of the
Christian church. This family ruled tyrannically-and often
violently for about 100 years. The family that became
known as the Herods were Idumean by birth. (Idumea was
an area south of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, populated by
the Edomites-former Jews who had refused to "inhabit the
land" of Canaan.) The Maccabean leader John Hyrcanus I
had conquered the ldumeans in about 126 B.C. and
compelled them to accept orthodox Judaism . The Herod
family ruled Idumea when the Maccabean dynasty began
to lose control of Palestine.
The Maccabean family had led the Jews in a heroic
struggle to free themselves from foreign rule. However,
political intrigue and family jealousy among the
Maccabeans left the Jewish state in a weakened condition,
making it a prey to Rome. The last strong ruler of the
Maccabean (later called the Hasmonean) line was
Alexander Jannaeus. When he died (ca. 78 B.C.), he left the
kingdom to his widow, Alexandra Salome. She made her
older son, John Hyrcanus II, high priest and hoped to
groom him for the throne. But Alexandra suddenly became
ill and died , and her younger son Aristobulus proclaimed
himself king. The Herods took advantage of this confused
situation.
Antipater I of Idumea, father of Herod the Great, was
cunning, wealthy, and ambitious. He allied himself with
John Hyrcanus II in a bid to overthrow Aristobulus. They
drew the Romans into the struggle and won. Antipater
reinstated Hyrcanus II as high priest, and Julius Caesar
later appointed Antipater as governor of Judea. Antipater
gave two of his sons positions in the government—Phasael
was made prefect of Jerusalem and Herod was governor of
Galilee. Herod ("the Great") was intelligent , charming in
manners, and quite capable in statecraft. Like his father he
was highly ambitious. But the Sanhedrin (Jewish legal
council) turned against the young ruler when he executed
some Jews without official consent; in fact, they demanded
his death. He appealed to the Roman governor of Syria,
who dismissed the Jews' charges and extended Herod's
governorship to Coele-Syria and Samaria.
When Cassius, one of Julius Caesar's murderers, became
ruler of the eastern sector of the Roman Empire, Herod
and his father Antipater gave him their full cooperation.
Many Jewish groups opposed their rule, and Antipater died
of poisoning in 43 B.C. just after he paid a large tax to
Cassius.
Then Mark Anthony assumed control of the eastern
provinces , and Jewish leaders clamored to denounce
Herod as a tyrant. But Anthony confirmed Herod and
Phasael tetrarchs (i.e., each was ruler of one fourth of the
region) of Judea.
In 40 B.C., the Hasmonean leader Antigonus (a nephew
of John Hyrcanus I) ousted Herod from power and was
proclaimed king of Judea. He ordered his men to cut off the
ears of Hyrcanus II, so that he could no longer be high
priest. (It was unlawful for a mutilated person to serve as
priest.) Herod appealed to Anthony for aid. Octavian and
Anthony advised the Roman senate to appoint Herod king
of the Jews, but it took him three years of hard fighting to
regain his kingdom. From that time until his death 33
years later, Herod governed his realm as a loyal ally of
Rome.
When Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra at Actium
in 31 B.C., Herod wisely surrendered his kingdom to his
new master. Octavian confirmed Herod as king of Judea
and added still more territory to his domain.
Herod the Great married a total of ten women—Doris,
Mariamne I, Mariamne II, Malthace, Cleopatra, Pallas,
Phaedra, Elpis, and two whose names are unknown (in
that order). In all, they bore him at least 15 children.
Herod divorced Doris in order to marry Mariamne
(known historically as Mariamne I). She was a member of
the Hasmonean family, and Herod hoped to gain political
status through this marriage. Eventually, Herod ordered
his men to execute Mariamne I and her grandfather John
Hyrcanus II. By doing this, Herod exterminated the
Hasmonean family. Herod the Great tried to win the Jews'
favor by rebuilding their temple on a magnificent scale. Yet
he also built temples dedicated to pagan gods. The Jewish
people resented Herod's ldumean ancestry and his
marriage to Malthace, a Samaritan.
The last years of Herod's life were dismal and full of
grief; he deteriorated mentally and physically. His mad
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
jealousy caused him to order many executions. Three of
his sons—Antipater II, Alexander, and Aristobulus I—were
among the victims.
Herod's death in 4 B.C. brought a new era to Judea. Just
before his death, Herod formally gave the Roman emperor
power to supervise his kingdom. (Rome had been the real
ruler of Palestine since the overthrow of Aristobulus in 63
B.C., but it now exerted its control more directly.) In his
will, Herod the Great divided his kingdom among three of
his sons. Archelaus received Judea, Samaria, and Idumea;
Antipas II received Galilee and Perea; and Herod Philip II
received the northeastern territories .
Herod Archelaus ruled "in the room of his father Herod"
(Matt. 2:22), although without the title of king. He was
Herod's oldest son by Malthace and had the worst
reputation of all Herod 's children. He angered the Jews by
marrying Glaphyra, the widow of his half-brother
Alexander. Rival Jews and Samaritans sent a united
delegation to Rome , threatening to revolt if Archelaus
were not removed. Accordingly , in A.D. 6, he was deposed
and banished. Judea then became a Roman province,
administered by governors appointed by the emperor.
Herod Antipas II was Herod's younger son by Malthace.
The Gospels depict him as wholly immoral. He divorced his
first wife to marry Herodias, the wife of his half-brother
Herod Philip I; since Herodias was also his niece, their
union was doubly sinful . He imprisoned John the Baptist
for denouncing this marriage (Mark 6:17-18). Herodias
made full use of her husband's pledge to give her daughter
(possibly Salome II) anything that she wished (Mark 6:19-
28). She demanded John's head on a platter, and so Antipas
had him executed. However, Herod Antipas II was the
ablest of Herod's sons; in A.D. 22 he built the city of
Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Emperor Caligula exiled him
in A.D. 39 after Herod Agrippa I accused him of plotting
against Rome.
Herod Philip II was unlike the rest of the Herodian clan ,
for he was dignified, moderate, and just. He ruled for 37
years as the "tetrarch of Iturea , and of the region of
Trachonitis" (Luke 3:1). He married Salome II, the
daughter of Herod Philip I, his half-brother.
Herod Agrippa I was the son of Aristobulus I and a
grandson of Herod the Great . In A.D. 37, Emperor Caligula
gave Agrippa the title of king, with territories northeast of
Palestine. When Antipas II was banished in A.D. 39, Galilee
and Perea were added to Agrippa's kingdom. Emperor
Claudius further extended Agrippa's territory by giving
him Judea and Samaria in A.D. 41. Agrippa I killed the
apostle James and persecuted the early church. Because of
his arrogance, God took his life (Acts 12). Among his
children were Bernice II, Herod Agrippa II, and Drusilla
(who married Felix, the Roman governor of Judea—cf. Acts
24:24).
Emperor Claudius gave Herod Agrippa II the title of king,
with territories north and northeast of Palestine; these
territories were increased by Emperor Nero in A.D. 56. His
incestuous relationship with his sister Bernice II was a
scandal among the Jews; the New Testament mentions that
he and Bernice heard Paul (Acts 25:1326:32). He urged his
countrymen to remain loyal to Rome during the Jewish
revolts; when the nation fell he moved to Rome, where he
died in about A.D. 100.
Herod Philip I was the Herod the Great's son by
Mariamne II. For a time , he was included in Herod's will;
but the king later revoked this grant. Philip remained a
private citizen and his life story is unclear. His wife,
Herodias, left him to live with his half-brother Antipas II
(cf. Mark 6:17-18).
Christ, the apostles, and the early Christians lived during
the turbulent days of the Herods. While the Herods built
many splendid edifices and strengthened Judea militarily,
the verdict of their subjects was that they were guilty—of
oppression , tyranny , and burden in the highest degree.
Herod ("heroic"). [1] Herod the Great, the sly king of
Judea when Christ was born. In order to maintain power,
he murdered the children of Bethlehem, thinking that he
would be killing the Messiah (Matt. 2: 1-22; Luke 1:5).
[2] Herod Antipas, son of the former, was tetrarch of
Galilee and Perea. He was the murderer of John the
Baptist (Matt. 14:1-10; Luke 13:31-32; Luke 23:7-12).
[3] Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great, was tetrarch of
Iturea and Trachonitis (Luke 3: 1). [4] Herod Philip,
another son of Herod the Great, is the Philip whose wife
Herod Antipas lured away (Matt. 14:3). [5] Herod
Agrippa I, tetrarch of Galilee and eventual ruler of his
grandfather's (i.e., Herod the Great's) old realm. He
bitterly persecuted Christians (Acts 12:1-23). [6] Herod
Agrippa II, son of Agrippa I and king of various
domains, witnessed the preaching of Paul (Acts 25: 13-
26; 32).
Herodias ("heroic"), granddaughter of Herod the
Great, wife of Antipas, and ultimate cause of John the
Baptist's death (Matt. 14:3-9; Luke 3: 19).
Herodion ("heroic"), a Jewish Christian to whom Paul
sent greetings (Rom. 16: 11).
Hesed ("kindness"), father of one of Solomon's
officers (1 Kings 4:10); not to be confused with Jushab-
hesed (q.v.).
Heth (a personification of the Hittites), the ancestor of
the Hittites (Gen. 10: 15; 1 Chron. 1:13).
Hezeki ("Jehovah is strength"), a descendant of
Benjamin (1 Chron. 8:17).
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
Hezekiah [Ezekias] ("Jehovah is strength"). [1] One
who returned from Babylon (Ezra 2: 16; Neh. 7:21). [2]
The twelfth king of Judah; an ancestor of Christ. He
instituted religious reform and improved the overall
safety and prosperity of the nation (2 Kings 18-20; 2
Chron. 29-32; Matt. 1:9- 10). [3] A son of Neariah, a
descendant of the royal family of Judah (1 Chron. 3:23).
Hezion ("vision"), the grandfather of Benhadad, king
of Syria (1 Kings 15:18). Many scholars identify him
with Rezon (q.v.).
Hezir ("returning home"). [1] A Levite in the time of
David (1 Chron. 24: 15). [2] A chief of the people that
sealed the new covenant with God after the Exile (Neh.
10:20).
Hezrai [Hezro] ("blooming; beautiful"), one of
David's warriors (2 Sam. 23:35). He is also called Hezro
(1 Chron. 11:37).
Hezro. See Hezrai.
Hezron [Esrom] ("blooming"). [1] A son of Perez and
an ancestor of Christ (Gen. 46: 12; 1 Chron. 2:5, 9,
18,21,24-25; Matt. 1:3; Luke 3:33). [2] A son of Reuben
(Gen. 46:9; Exod.6:14).
Hiddai [Hurai] ("mighty; chief'), one of David's
mighty men (2 Sam. 23:30). He is called Hurai ("free;
noble") in 1 Chronicles 11:32.
Pool of Siloam. The pool is located in the Kidron Valley and was
connected to the spring of Gihon by the Siloam Tunnel. King Hezekiah
of Judah knew that the Assyrians would lay seige to Jerusalem. In order
to assure a free flow of water into the city, he ordered that the waters of
Gihon be diverted underground into a tunnel hewn out of stone (2
Chron. 32:1-5. 30). These waters flowed into the pool of Siloam, located
within the city walls.
Hiel ("God is living"), a man who rebuilt Jericho (1
Kings 16:34) and sacrificed his sons, in fulfillment of
Joshua's curse (Josh. 6:26).
Hilkiah ("Jehovah is protection" or "my portion"). [1]
One who stood with Ezra at the reading of the Law
(Neh. 8:4). [2] A Levite who kept the children of the
temple officials (1 Chron. 6:45). [3] A gatekeeper of the
tabernacle (1 Chron. 26: 11). [4] Master of the
household of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18: 18, 26; Isa.
22:20; 36:3). [5] A priest of Anathoth and father of
Jeremiah (Jer. 1:1). [6] High priest and the discoverer of
the Book of the Law in the days of Josiah (2 Kings 22:4,
8; 23:4).
Hillel ("praised greatly"), the father of Abdon, one of
the judges (Judg. 12: 13, 15). Hinnom, an unknown
person who had a son(s) after whom a valley near
Jerusalem was named. Human sacrifices took place there
in Jeremiah's day, and garbage was later incinerated in
this defiled place (Josh. 15:8; 18:16; Neh. 11:30; Jer.
7:31-32).
Hirah ("distinction"), a friend of Judah (Gen. 38:1,
12).
Hiram [Huram] (abbreviated form of Ahiram, "My
brother is the exalted"). [1] A king of Tyre who
befriended David and Solomon (2 Sam. 5: 11; 1 Kings 5;
9: 11; 10: 11). [2] The skillful worker in brass whom
Solomon secured from King Hiram (1 Kings 7: 13, 40,
45; 2 Chron. 4: 11, 16). [3] A descendant of Benjamin (1
Chron. 8:5).
Hizkiah [Hizkijah] ("Jehovah is strength"). [1] An
ancestor of the prophet Zephaniah (Zeph. 1:1); some
think this is another name for Hezekiah. [2] One who
sealed the covenant with God after the Exile (Neh.
10:17).
Hobab ("beloved"), the father-in-law or brother-in-law
of Moses (Num. 10:29; Judg. 4: 11). The phrase "father-
in-law" in Judges 4: 11 may possibly mean nothing more
than "in-law," or perhaps Jethro was also named Hobab;
but the identity is uncertain. See also Jethro.
Hod ("majesty"), one of the sons of Zophah (1 Chron.
7:37).
Hodaiah ("honorer of Jehovah"), a descendant of the
royal line of Judah (1 Chron. 3:24); possibly an alternate
spelling of Hodaviah (q .v.).
Hodaviah ("honorer of Jehovah"). [1] A chief of the
tribe of Manasseh (1 Chron. 5:24). [2] A descendant of
Benjamin (1 Chron. 9:7). [3] An ancestor of returning
captives (Ezra 2:40). He is also called Hodevah
("Jehovah is honor") in Nehemiah 7:43. See also
Hodaiah.
Hodesh ("new moon''), a wife of Shaharaim (1 Chron.
8:9).
Hodevah. See Hodaviah.
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
Hodiah [Hodijah] ("splendor [or honor] of Jehovah").
[1] A brother-in-law of Naham (1 Chron. 4:19). The
KJV incorrectly identifies him as the "wife" of Naham.
[2] One of the Levites who explained the Law (Neh. 8:7;
10:10, 13). [3] One who sealed the new covenant with
God after the Exile (Neh. 10: 18).
Hodijah. See Hodiah.
Hoglah ("partridge"), a daughter of Zelophehad (Num.
26:33; 27:1; Josh. 17:3).
Hoham ("whom Jehovah impels; Jehovah protects the
multitude"), an Amorite king slain by Joshua (Josh.
10:1-27).
Homam [Hemam] ("raging"), a Horite descendant of
Esau (1 Chron. 1:39). He is called Hemam in Genesis
36:22 (probably a copyist's error).
Hophni ("strong"), the unholy son of Eli slain at the
battle of Aphek (1 Sam. 1:3; 2:22-24,34).
Horam ("height"), a king of Gezer defeated by Joshua
(Josh. 10:33).
Hori ("free; noble"). [1] A descendant of Esau (Gen.
36:22; 1 Chron. 1:39). [2] The father of one of the men
sent to spy out the Promised Land (Num. 13:5).
Hosah ("refuge"), one of the first doorkeepers of the
ark of the covenant (1 Chron. 16:38; 26:10-11, 16).
Hosea [Osee] ("help; i.e., Jehovah is help"), a prophet
of Israel; he denounced the idolatries of Israel and
Samaria (Hos. 1: 1-2).
Hoshaiah ("whom Jehovah helps''). [1] The father of
Jezaniah or Azariah (Jer. 42: 1; 43:2). [2] A man who
led half of the princes of Judah in procession at the
dedication of the walls (Neh. 12:32).
Hoshama ("whom Jehovah heareth"), a son or
descendant of Jeconiah or Jehoiakim (l Chron. 3: 18).
Hoshea [Hosea] ("Jehovah is help or salvation"). [1]
A chief of the tribe of Ephraim in the days of David (1
Chron. 27:20). [2] The last king of Israel; he was
imprisoned by Sargon of Assyria (2 Kings 15:30;
17:1,4,6; 18:1). [3] One who sealed the covenant with
Nehemiah (Neh. 10:23). [4] The original name of Joshua
(q .v.).
Hotham [Hothan] ("determination"). [1] A
descendant of Asher (1 Chron. 7:32). [2] Father of two
of David's best men (1 Chron. 11:44).
Hothan. See Hotham.
End of the H's.
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Hothir ("abundance"), son of Heman in charge of the
twenty-first course of the tabernacle service (1 Chron.
25:4, 28).
Hul ("circle"), grandson of Shem (Gen. 10:23; 1
Chron. 1:17).
Huldah ("weasel"), a prophetess in the days of King
Josiah (2 Kings 22: 14; 2 Chron. 34:22).
Hupham (''coast-inhabitant; protected''), the head of a
family descendant from Benjamin (Num. 26:39). In
Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 7: 12, his name is listed
as Huppim ("coast-people" or "protection").
Huppah ("protection"), a priest in the time of David
who had charge of one of the courses of service in the
sanctuary (l Chron. 24: 13).
Huppim. See Hupham.
Hur ("free; noble"). [1] One of the men who held up
Moses' arms during the battle with Amalek (Exod. 17:
10, 12; 24: 14). [2] A son of Caleb (Exod. 31:2; 35:30;
38:22). [3] A Midianite king slain by Israel (Num. 31:8;
Josh. 13:21). [4] An officer of Solomon on Mount
Ephraim (1 Kings 4:8). [5] The father of a man named
Caleb (1 Chron. 2:50; 4:4). [6] A descendant of Judah (1
Chron. 4: 1). [7] The ruler of half of Jerusalem under
Nehemiah (Neh. 3:9).
Hurai. See Hiddai.
Huram. See Hiram.
Huri ("linen weaver"), a descendant of Gad (1 Chron.
5:14).
Hushah ("haste"), a descendant of Judah (1 Chron.
4:4).
Hushai (" quick"), a friend and counselor of David (2
Sam. 15:32,37; 16:16-18; 17:5-15).
Husham (" hasting; alert"), a descendant of Esau who
became king of Edom (Gen. 36:3435; 1 Chron. 1:45-46).
Hushim ("hasting; hasters"), [1] A son of Dan (Gen.
46:23); in Numbers 26:42, his name is Shuham
("depression"). [2] A descendant of Benjamin (1 Chron.
7: 12). [3] One of the two wives of Shaharaim (1 Chron.
8:8, 11).
Huz ("firm"), the eldest son of Nahor and Milcah
(Gen. 22:21). Elsewhere listed as Uz.
Hymenaeus ("nuptial"), an early Christian who fell
into apostasy and error (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17).
 ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

Land of Ephraim. The prophet Hosea predicted that God would punish the tribe of Ephraim, which lived in these fertile
hills north of Jerusalem (cf. Hosea 12-13). Hosea said, "Now they sin more and more, and have made them... idols
according to their own understanding..." (Hosea 13:2).